LaserMark-C™ is a versatile laser marking additive that enables stable, neutral gray contrast markings on engineering plastics. It is designed for applications where neither dark-on-light nor light-on-dark marking is optimal, delivering consistent readability across mixed-color or medium-absorption substrates.
| Parameter | W | SF | P | C | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Marking Objective | High dark contrast on light polymers | Sb-free dark marking | Reliable marking under difficult conditions | Colored / green marking | Stable marking in electronic & hybrid systems |
| Laser Interaction Type | Localized surface darkening | Localized surface modification | High-efficiency energy absorption | Color-selective laser response | Laser response stabilization |
| Resulting Mark Appearance | Black / dark gray | Black / gray | Dark, industrial contrast | Green or colored mark | Neutral contrast, controlled |
| Electrical Behavior Impact | Low impact in standard polymers | Electrically neutral | Low impact (not ESD-targeted) | Electrically neutral | Electrically neutral (insulating) |
| Cleanliness / Outgassing | Standard polymer grade | Standard polymer grade | Industrial grade | Standard polymer grade | Low outgassing / electronics-friendly |
| Best-Fit Application Class | Consumer goods, medical devices | Regulated consumer & industrial parts | Industrial, thick or filled parts | Visual coding, differentiation, branding | Connectors, sensors, ESD-sensitive parts |
| Processing Robustness | Broad processing window | Broad processing window | Very robust, wide laser window | Moderate, color tuning required | Stable, resin-dependent |
| When NOT to Use | ESD-critical electronic parts | When Sb is allowed and max contrast is needed | Aesthetic or decorative marking | When only black contrast is required | Simple cosmetic marking |
| Feature | LaserMark C | LaserMark W | Carbon Black | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | Copper hydroxide phosphate | Antimony tin oxide (ATO) | Elemental carbon | |
| Safety | Antimony-free | Contains antimony | Generally regarded as safe (grade-dependent) | |
| Marking | Jet black on light substrates | Gray / dark gray | Gray to black (substrate-dependent) | Context-dependent |
| Absorption | High @ 1064 nm | Medium @ 1064 nm | Broad spectrum | |
| Loading | 0.5–1.0 % | 2.0–4.0 % | 0.2–1.0 % | Application-dependent |
LaserMark-C is a laser-responsive functional additive designed to generate neutral gray contrast markings on engineering plastics.
2. How does LaserMark-C differ from LaserMark-W and LaserMark-SF?LaserMark-C provides balanced, gray contrast marking suitable for a wide range of substrates, while LaserMark-W focuses on dark marking on light plastics and LaserMark-SF enables light or foamed marking on dark plastics.
3. When should LaserMark-C be selected?LaserMark-C is ideal when substrate color varies, contrast requirements are moderate, or neither extreme dark nor light marking is desired.
4. Which laser systems are compatible?LaserMark-C performs effectively under common fiber (1064 nm) and green (532 nm) laser systems.
5. Is LaserMark-C a pigment or colorant?No. LaserMark-C is a functional laser-activation additive and does not act as a color pigment or filler.
6. Will LaserMark-C affect polymer properties?At optimized addition levels, LaserMark-C preserves the mechanical and surface properties of the base polymer.
7. Can LaserMark-C be combined with other functional additives?Yes. LaserMark-C can be used alongside stabilizers, fillers, or conductive additives with appropriate formulation balance.
Explore related technical resources and companion materials:
For applications combining laser marking with conductive or ESD materials, see our SWCNT slurry.
For comprehensive guidance on selecting laser marking additives and related functional materials, see our Technical Guide to Laser Marking Additives.